Random one shot, I just really really love jara. For stuckbeingrachel and love fiction, and all those other writers who support me, and read all my stories, even the rubbish ones, and continue writing their own awesome ones. I really do love you all

Enjoy!

Mara's eyes were brimming with tears. She had stayed behind in school to finish up some work, and she had walked down to her locker, to open it and find homework assignments. But why on earth would this make her cry?

Well…

"Go on then," Ryan laughed, Mara ducked her head and tried to walk past him. When he gripped her arm tightly and pulled her back harshly "Mara Jaffray, is my English assignment done?"

Mara looked around, but there was no one here "N-not yet," she whispered "I, I had to write your French-"

"Really not good enough," Ryan hissed, almost spitting in her face "You'll have it done by tomorrow morning, or else I'll show everyone the picture of you and Jerome." Mara's eyes threatened to spill tears and her anger flared

"That picture shows nothing!" she almost yelled "Me and Jerome were just hanging out! Leave me alone!" she attempted to shove him backwards, her hands balled up in fists. The picture was taken while she was dating Mick, a picture showing Jerome hugging her on her birthday. It had been twisted crudely, to look like more than it was.

Ryan laughed, gripping her wrists "If it shows nothing- then why can't I go and show it to Mick?" She and Mick had broken up months ago now, but still- she couldn't let him see it. She had planned the breakup perfectly, and they were still friends, good friends. She couldn't let this mess it all up. "My English assignment, Mara. Be a dear,"

And she had done it- sleep deprived, stressed and sad, Mara had finished the assignment as well as all of her own work. And now- seeing all of his assignments in her locker, her shoulders slumped and her head tilted down.

"Mara," came the voice of the person, she really didn't want to see right now. Because if it wasn't for him she wouldn't be in this mess and she might be able to get on top of her school work-

She forced a smile onto her face "Hi Jerome- what's up?" she managed to look up at him, and wished she hadn't. He was facing her, one shoulder leaning against the lockers, one foot crossed of the other, his satchel was holding his blazer and his grey cardigan was buttoned up, he looked…perfect.

Jerome watched her, and he sighed "Why didn't you tell me?"

"About what?" Mara asked, closing her locker slightly so that he wouldn't see all the homework assignments. Jerome pushed her hand away, stepping forward, he opened her locker and pulled out the extra assignments. He threw them on the floor, and leaned in towards her. For one heart stopping moment, she thought he would kiss her, but he only whispered gently into her ear

"I've dealt with Ryan, and I've got the picture,"

Mara's eyes widened at his words "How did you know?"

"He's not very intelligent," Jerome smiled at her "But you should have told me,"

No. No she couldn't have told him. Because then Ryan would have another picture of the two of them together and a picture was worth a thousand words, and Mara didn't have that many words in her argument. "Sorry," was all she could manage. She pushed her bag into her locker, closed it and turned to walk out of the school.

She heard Jerome run behind her, catching up with her as they were outside "Not even a thank you?"

"I could have handled it myself." Mara answered shortly. She walked quickly, wanting to be back at Anubis House as fast as possible. She couldn't be out with Jerome. He made her feel sick to the stomach. Jerome gave a short laugh, and he stopped. Mara kept walking, and could only just hear his voice over the howling wind.

"I know!"

Mara stopped, turning around, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Know what?"

"I know, Mara," he raised his eyebrows "I know you like me,"

Mara nodded "Of course I like you, Jerome. We've lived in the same house since we were 11, we take all the same subjects, it would be ridiculous if I didn't."

"I mean…I know you like me," he advanced towards her, like a lion, lethal and majestic stalking its graceful pray. He ever so softly moved a strand of hair from her face "I know that you like me, almost as much as I like you,"

Mara couldn't speak. Her entire body was frozen. And Jerome kept speaking in that hot, smug whisper that made her want to hit him and kiss him at the same time.

"I need you to say it," Jerome whispered , leaning forward to their noses were touching "Say that you like me, Mara." Mara couldn't move. And she didn't understand it, wasn't this what she wanted? Hadn't she wanted this for weeks and he was offering it to, all she had to do was open her mouth…but she couldn't.

Tears fell from her eyes, and Jerome took it as a sign. He pulled back

"Fine." He said harshly, running a hand through his hair "Be stubborn, Mara. Play hard to get or whatever it is this game you're playing, I'm not gonna be a pawn anymo-" Mara propelled herself forward and pressed her lips forcefully onto his. It took him a long time to respond, but when he did Mara was finally complete. Finally, after all those unhappy times with Mick, she had found Jerome.

But he pulled away, breathless "Say it," he demanded weakly, and Mara couldn't help but smile. He was a child, and it made sense, to her anyway, that he would need this type of reassurance.

"I love you," she whispered. Jerome's eyes widened in complete shock, and he met her lips wildly once again.

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